Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi health chief receives second Covid-19 vaccine shot as trial continues

The chairman of Department of Health Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Abdullah, says he has felt no 'side effects'

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, chairman of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, receives a vaccine during a clinical trial for the third phase of the inactive vaccine for Covid-19. Courtesy Wam. 

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, chairman of Department of Health Abu Dhabi, participates in phase III of the clinical trial for the Covid-19 inactivated vaccine in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office

Peng Xiao, group chief executive of G42, speaks at the announcement of the Covid-19 vaccine trials in Abu Dhabi at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. Victor Besa / The National

Officials at the press conference to announce Phase 3 of the Covid-19 clinical vaccine trial in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Officials at the press conference to announce Phase 3 of the Covid-19 clinical vaccine trial in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi health chief has successfully received his second vaccine shot as a landmark Covid-19 clinical trial continues to gather pace.

The chairman of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, volunteered as the first patient to test the inactive vaccine, which contains a killed version of the germ that causes Covid-19, last month.

Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, acting undersecretary of the department, who is overseeing the Phase 3 trial, was the second man to sign up for the programme.

Both men have received their second jab as part of the trial, in which volunteers must visit testing centres at least 17 times over roughly 42 days.

Volunteers cannot travel abroad during this time. After the trial, they should be available for regular phone consultations for up to six months.

"After having the first dose of the vaccine, we felt no side effects at all," said Sheikh Abdullah.

"In order to conclude the scientific research phase and to progress to taking the vaccine to market, we need around 15,000 volunteers."

The UAE begun the first globally recognised, last-phase clinical trial for a Covid-19 vaccine in Abu Dhabi in July.

The Phase 3 clinical trial is being led by Abu Dhabi's health department in partnership with Group 42 and Chinese drug maker Sinopharm.

Up to 15,000 volunteers are wanted for the trial and they must be in good health and between the ages of 18 to 60.

A new facility was set up at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre this week to serve up to 1,000 vaccine volunteers a day.

The drop-in clinic will allow for potential volunteers to be registered, examined and selected for the programme.

Volunteers for the Abu Dhabi trial can register at 4humanity.ae or by calling 02 819 1111.